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Score one of these before your next epic mountain adventure.

You may not think of slope season as a chance to re-up your wardrobe, but you’d be (sort of) wrong. After all, skiing is a highly specialized escapade, requiring very specialized equipment from some of the best ski brands, like the proper ski jacket or a solid pair of ski goggles. But in this case, we’re talking about your pants.

Don’t be the sucker in jeans shivering up on the mountain—it’s not a good look. Whether it’s cross-country, backcountry, or downhill skiing, opt for a bona fide pair of ski pants—bottoms that are engineered specifically for harsh conditions and cold weather as you zoom down the slope.

There’s a lot of variety out there when it comes to the best men’s ski pants, but you’ll want to look for a few basics.

First: insulation. Insulation is key when you’re up on the mountain. Basically, an insulated layer on the pants will give you warmth, as well as protect you from the elements. Some pants have an outer shell for added protection—usually a polyester material—but you’ll always want some insulation from the cold.

You’ll also want to make sure they’re your ideal fit. While we wouldn’t recommend opting for something super skinny, you don’t have to sacrifice some flattery for function. We’re big fans of slim and regular fit ski pants, but willing to go into more relaxed fits when it comes to more hardcore outings, or if you need the extra room to move.

And, of course, waterproofing. While the pants don’t necessarily have to be able to be totally submerged to be effective, you’ll want a pair of waterproof pants for your spills and slips. Moderate-to-high waterproofing should be more than adequate.

With all that in mind, we’ve rounded up the 11 best ski pants for men to wear this year from the biggest retailers on the web, including REI, EVO, and Backcountry. Skip the brick-and-mortar store and order ahead before you hit the slopes.

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This regular-fit pair has a warm, two-layer shell for even more protection than your everyday wear that’s made from polyester and polyester micro-twill. An articulated fit and mesh liner give you the extra freedom of movement, and an embedded reflector enhances radio signals from search-and-rescue teams—you know, in case the worst happens (fingers crossed it doesn't). The pants even come in four unique colorways, each one a sharp look on a white mountaintop.

Looking for a pair of affordable ski pants? These bestsellers on Amazon feature a tough, water-resistant layer that will get the job done.

If you’re serious about skiing or snowboarding, these men’s ski pants can withstand pretty anything with a GORE-TEX membrane that blocks moisture and a softshell panel that gives you plenty of stretch and mobility to ski. Zippers on the side help regulate your body temperature (no one likes to get too sticky in the pants area), and there are extra-large pockets in the thighs for storage. Pricey? You bet. Comprehensive? Absolutely.

Spyder’s Sentinel pants are the perfect pick for a long ski trip—coming in hot in a stretch polyester weave with GORE-TEX laminate. We love the adjustable suspenders, which will help you keep the pants safe and snug against your body, plus the adjustable waist and belt loops help you create the perfect fit. And on the inside, you’ve got 40 grams of Primaloft Black Eco insulation, so you’re sure to stay warm no matter what.

Don’t mistake these for your everyday working pants. This pair of soft-shell ski pants offers a stretchier and more breathable option—but keeps performance front-and-center with waterproof lower legs so your shins stay dry. An adjustable waist and gaiters guarantee a secure fit that won’t let any snow in, but outer thigh zippers give you enough ventilation to stay cool. Plus, there’s a pocket with a clip that’s specifically sized for avalanche beacons.

Stay dry and safe with these bottoms made with a DryVent membrane shell that provides waterproof, breathable performance. They also feature warm Heatseeker insulation, sealed seams (so no water leaks in), and a venting system that cools you down when you’re sweating up a storm. On top of all that, they have reinforced kick patches that give you protection against rocks and other sharp things that can cause abrasions. This pair has to be among the best The North Face has made.

If you love pops of color (and who doesn’t?), this pair from Helly Hansen provides it while also giving you intense protection on the slope. With a 2-ply fabric construction and two-way mechanical stretch, you’ll have extremely solid protection while also having room to move. It’s fully seam-sealed so that water and other unpleasantness don’t make it in—plus, the material is treated with durable water repellent treatment. Its venting is in the upper thigh—the perfect spot to get a little bit of air while you’re out there.

The Chemical Snow Pants from Flylow have three key features, and they’re each worth the price of admission: cross-flow venting that keeps you cool and dry, CORDURA-reinforced cuffs and knees that stand up to the elements, and a three-layer hardshell with 20k/20k waterproof/breathability rating. That’s a lot of compelling features, and it doesn’t stop there—articulated knee boxes help you move, waterproof zippers, and even a beacon attachment system (the beacon is sold separately, of course).

If you’re skiing on a budget, you know the importance of being a little thrifty—and these skiing pants from Columbia give you just what you need without breaking the bank. That includes a tough nylon outer shell and 60 grams of polyester insulation, air-permeable tech that keeps you from sweating while still staying protected, and plenty of range of motion for wherever the day brings you. Plus, zippered hand pockets help you store your stuff, and there’s plenty of colors to fit your fancy.

For even more protection, shoot for a bib. This pair of pants from Burton has a two-layer DRYRIDE polyester fabric that offers 15k/10k rated waterproofing and breathability, keeping you cool and dry your whole trip, plus mesh-lined venting for temperature regulation. The point of the bib is to effectively protect you from getting any snow down your pants (which ruins the vibe pretty quickly). These pants have a more loose, relaxed fit, making it easier to move on the slopes.

Think of MEC as Canada's Patagonia. Their gear is just as durable and eco-friendly as their American counterpart. Take this ski bib, which is made for long days on the slopes. Its bottom half is lined and layered with a waterproof Pertex Shield to keep you warm and dry even when you're knee-deep in snow. Meanwhile its top half features a breathable 3 layer insulation that doesn't overheat you.

Marmot’s tough-as-nails Freerider pants aren’t cheap, but you more than get what you pay for with a two-layer GORE-TEX Performance Shell fabric and an environmentally sustainable, PFC-free durable water repellent treatment. Of course, there’s more: an avalanche rescue reflector (just in case), water-resistant leg vents that help you regulate your temperature, and even zippers at the hem that makes the pants easier to get on and take off. Totally worth the price you pay.

Obermeyer makes damn fine men’s ski pants—especially if you’re on a modest budget. The HydroBlock outershell is 10k/10k rated for waterproofing and breathability, more than enough to take you through the whole trip up the mountain. An adjustable waist with belt loops ensures a proper fit, and strategically placed ventilation with mesh gussets keeps you cool while you’re working your hardest. The powder cuffs are water-resistant, too, keeping snow and water out of your boots. Be sure to check these out if you’re looking for an excellent deal.